OBJECTIVE: To study the distribution and proportion of neuropeptide containing nervers in the sinus node in cases of sudden manhood death syndrome (SMDS) and to explore the mechanism of SMDS. METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining and quantitative analysis of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP) in the sinus node in 6 cases of SMDS and in 12 cases of non-cardiac death(control group) were achieved by LSAB method and computerized image system. RESULTS: As for NPY positive materials, VIP positive materials and the ratio of VIP/NPY in the sinus nodes, there were no significant difference between the control group and SMDS group. CONCLUSION The mechanism of SMDS and the abnormality of autonomic nervous innervation in the sinoatrial nodes maybe incorrelation.
Adult ; Autonomic Nervous System/physiology* ; Death, Sudden/pathology* ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Myocardium/metabolism* ; Neuropeptide Y/metabolism* ; Sinoatrial Node/innervation* ; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide/metabolism*

AIMTo study the importance of blood pressure variability in organ protection for long-term treatment with fosinopril in-sinoaortic-denervated (SAD) rats.

METHODSFosinopril (15 mg.kg-1.d-1) was given in rat chow for 16 weeks after SAD surgery. Blood pressure variability (BPV) was recorded during 24 h in conscious state. Histopathological changes were evaluated with light microscope and computer-assisted image analysis.

RESULTSLong-term treatment with fosinopril significantly decreased BPV in SAD rats. The thickness of the left ventricular wall, collagen fraction of the left ventricle and glomerulosclerosis score were all positively related to BPV in untreated and fosinopril-treated SAD rats. Fosinopril markedly prevented the damages of target organs in SAD rats.

CONCLUSIONLong-term treatment with fosinopril showed obvious organ protection in SAD rats. The decrease in BPV may significantly contribute to organ protection.

Animals ; Antihypertensive Agents ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Blood Pressure ; drug effects ; Denervation ; methods ; Fosinopril ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Heart Ventricles ; pathology ; Kidney ; pathology ; Male ; Myocardium ; pathology ; Protective Agents ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Sinoatrial Node ; innervation ; Time Factors